De-epithelialized dermal flap for nipple reconstruction: A modified star flap

BACKGROUND: Multiple approaches for nipple reconstruction exist, and none is considered superior to all others. The star flap is one of the most popular methods for nipple reconstruction, but gradual height loss is a major concern. We present a new modification of the star flap that incorporates a de-epithelialized dermal flap, along with the associated surgical results. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent nipple reconstruction using the modified star flap method. The design was different from the conventional star flap in that the lateral wings were changed into a trapezoidal shape and de-epithelialized dermal flaps were added. The patients were followed up at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and nipple height was measured. The postoperative nipple height achieved using the modified method was compared with that obtained using the traditional method. RESULTS: From February 2013 to June 2017, 32 patients received surgery using the modified star flap, and 18 patients who underwent nipple reconstruction before 2013 comprised the conventional method group. All patients had undergone breast reconstruction with an abdominal tissue-based flap. The mean follow-up period was 14.4 months in the modified method group and 17.3 months in the conventional method group. The mean maintenance of projection at 12 months postoperatively was 56.28%±18.58% in the modified method group, and 44.23%±14.15% in the conventional method group. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The modified method using a de-epithelialized dermal flap provides reliable maintenance of projection in patients who have undergone abdominal tissue-based breast reconstruction.

Bacterial profile of suction drains and the relationship thereof to surgical-site infections in prosthetic breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing popularity of prosthetic breast reconstruction, scant data exist on the microbiological profile of drainage fluid from closed-suction drains and the relationship thereof to surgical-site infections (SSIs) in breast reconstruction surgery. This study aimed to determine whether bacteria isolated from drainage fluid were associated with the development of SSIs, and whether the bacterial profile of drainage fluid could be a clinically useful predictor of SSIs. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 61 women who underwent tissue expander/implant or direct-to-implant reconstructions. Patient demographics and culture studies of drainage fluid from suction drains collected on postoperative day 7 were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (26.23%) were culture-positive, and 45 patients (73.77%) were culture-negative. The most frequently isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative staphylococci, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. SSIs were diagnosed in seven patients and were mostly resolved by systemic antibiotics; however, the tissue expander or implant was explanted in two patients. Positive culture of drainage fluid from closed-suction drains was significantly associated with the development of SSIs (P < 0.05). The positive predictive value was 37.50%,and the negative predictive value was 97.78%. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate a significant association between the microbiological profile of drainage fluid from closed-suction drains and the development of SSIs in patients with prosthetic breast reconstructions. The high negative predictive value suggests that microbial testing of drainage fluid from closed-suction drains may have clinical utility. Further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm our findings.

Closure of Myelomeningocele Defects Using a Limberg Flap or Direct Repair

BACKGROUND: The global prevalence of myelomeningocele has been reported to be 0.8-1 per 1,000 live births. Early closure of the defect is considered to be the standard of care. Various surgical methods have been reported, such as primary skin closure, local skin flaps, musculocutaneous flaps, and skin grafts. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of myelomeningocele defects and present the surgical outcomes of recent cases of myelomeningocele at our institution. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgical closure of myelomeningocele at our institution from January 2004 to December 2013 were included in this study. A retrospective chart review of their medical records was performed, and comorbidities, defect size, location, surgical procedures, complications, and the final results were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients underwent surgical closure for myelomeningocele defects. Twelve cases were closed with direct skin repair, while two cases required local skin flaps to cover the skin defects. Three cases of infection occurred, requiring incision and either drainage or removal of allogenic materials. One case of partial flap necrosis occurred, requiring secondary revision using a rotational flap and a full-thickness skin graft. Despite these complications, all wounds eventually healed completely. CONCLUSIONS: Most myelomeningocele defects can be managed by direct skin repair alone. In cases of large defects, in which direct repair is not possible, local flaps may be used to cover the defect. Complications such as wound dehiscence and partial flap necrosis occurred in this study; however, all such complications were successfully managed with simple ancillary procedures.

Transconjuctival Incision with Lateral Paracanthal Extension for Corrective Osteotomy of Malunioned Zygoma

BACKGROUND: Conventional correction of malunioned zygoma requires complete regional exposure through a bicoronal flap combined with a lower eyelid incision and an upper buccal sulcus incision. However, there are many potential complications following bicoronal incisions, such as infection, hematoma, alopecia, scarring and nerve injury. We have adopted a zygomaticofrontal suture osteotomy technique using transconjunctival incision with lateral paracanthal extension. We performed a retrospective review of clinical cases underwent correction of malunioned zygoma with the approach to evaluate outcomes following this method. METHODS: Between June 2009 and September 2015, corrective osteotomies were performed in 14 patients with malunioned zygoma by a single surgeon. All 14 patients received both upper gingivobuccal and transconjunctival incisions with lateral paracanthal extension. The mean interval from injury to operation was 16 months (range, 12 months to 4 years), and the mean follow-up was 1 year (range, 4 months to 3 years). RESULTS: Our surgical approach technique allowed excellent access to the infraorbital rim, orbital floor, zygomaticofrontal suture and anterior surface of the maxilla. Of the 14 patients, only 1 patient suffered a complication—oral wound dehiscence. Among the 6 patients who received infraorbital nerve decompression, numbness was gradually relieved in 4 patients. Two patients continued to experience persistent numbness. CONCLUSION: Transconjunctival incision with lateral paracanthal extension combined with upper gingivobuccal sulcus incision offers excellent exposure of the zygoma-orbit complex, and could be a valid alternative to the bicoronal approach for osteotomy of malunioned zygoma.

Soft Tissue Reconstruction for Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma on the Hemiface

No abstract available.

Radiation ulcers and other chronic wounds

Radiation ulcers are wounds caused by acute or chronic effects of ionizing radiation. The injury may involve the skin, underlying soft tissue, and even deeper into bones. Radiation is used alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy. Although it is useful to affect tumor death, it also exerts a deleterious effect on surrounding normal tissues. These effects are either acute or can manifest months or years after the treatment. The chronic wounds are a result of impaired wound healing. This impairment leads to fibrosis, nonhealing ulcers, lymphedema and radionecrosis amongst others.

Empirical Treatment of Highly Suspected Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections Following Aesthetic Procedures

BACKGROUND: Infection caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has been increasing. Awareness of this infection is crucial yet problematic. Delayed management may lead to destructive results. We empirically treated a series of patients with clinical suspicion of NTM infection prior to the identification of the pathogen. METHODS: A total of 12 patients who developed surgical site infections between January 2011 and February 2014 were reviewed. Patients with a skin and subcutaneous infection resistant to standard management over two weeks, and previous history of aesthetic procedures within three months were regarded as highly suspected of having an NTM infection. A variety of diagnostic modalities were examined simultaneously, along with starting empirical treatment including a combination of clarithromycin and moxifloxacin, and surgical debridement. RESULTS: All wounds healed completely within 4 weeks. The mean follow-up duration was 7.2 months, and none of the patients developed relapse. Specific NTM pathogens were identified in six patients. Eight patients showed caseating granuloma implying an NTM infection. One patient showed an uncommon Stenotrophomonas infection, which was successfully treated. Three patients had no evidence of a pathogen despite repeated microbial tests. Complications such as scarring, pigmentation, and disfigurement were common in all the patients. CONCLUSIONS: NTM should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an unusual skin and soft-tissue infection. We propose an empirical regimen of clarithromycin and moxifloxacin as an efficient treatment option for an NTM infection.

Adaptive Planning and Overcoming Pitfalls in Asian Rhinoplasty

BACKGROUND: This anthropometric planning is devised for surgeons who assess the esthetic perspectives in Asian rhinoplasty and to provide an easy clinical method using two dimensional photograph. And specific planning in Asian secondary rhinoplasty are also depicted accordingly. METHOD AND DISCUSSION: In order to use a 2-dimensional digital photograph as a tool for the soft tissue cephalometric analysis (STCA) the surgeon can subjectively rotate the photograph to decide the ideal landmarks. Once this is done, consultation and planning begins. Complicated concepts can be simplified and adaptive ideal points needed in rhinoplasty can be determined according to the Asian concepts of beauty so that it will be used under a clinical setting. Initiation of planning starts by identifying the ideal Sellion and Subnasale, thus, determining the length of the nose. Determination of these two points is the foremost important step in planning. Thereafter, an ideal Tip forms naturally from the nasofrontal angle and the columellar-labial angle. Even with the well performed preoperative planning, the shortcomings in secondary Asian rhinoplasty, such as unexpected scar, may be totally different pitfalls to overcome. CONCLUSIONS: With two-dimensional digital photograph and simplified planning in STCA, planning ideal points will bring clarity to a relatively different planning process from western rhinoplasty for surgeons undertaking primary or secondary Asian rhinoplasty.